Air Malta, GWU close to finalising schemes

Air Malta announced today it is close to finalising the proposed retirement schemes for staff categories represented by the General Workers' Union.

In a statement it said that the proposed agreement covers voluntary redundancy schemes and early retirement schemes and the resulting restructuring in the numbers of employees required.

However, in another statement, he union condemned the airline saying it issued the statement without its approval.

The GWU said that, to date, there was no final agreement and only if this was reached would the union declare so.

Air Malta said in its statement: "It is premature for either party to discuss particulars and the General Workers Union is bound to first hold a meeting for its members to discuss the proposed schemes and the changes on other issues."

The GWU represents around 800 employees within various staff categories at the airline.

Discussions with the other three unions recognised by Air Malta are ongoing and announcements on the state of negotiations will be made as progress is achieved, Air Malta said.